Baum Lab

Agata Nyga

Agata Nyga

Postdoc

Cancer is one of the top causes of death and morbidity worldwide, however there is still little known on how normal epithelium regulates malignant progression, how tissue integrity and mechanics are altered during this process, and what allows malignant cells to survive in detached state in order to metastasise.

To identify the alterations in cell biomechanical properties during oncogenesis and cancer spread, my research focuses on studying epithelial integrity, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, and adaptations to survival in complex microenvironments, including confinement, suspension, and in vitro 3D matrices. For the last one, I use bioengineering approaches to develop complex 3D microenvironments to mimic in vivo tumour microenvironment.

In my free time I’m an aspiring mountaineer and yoga enthusiast. I love travelling and adventure sports, from snowboarding to diving.

    Publications:

    1. Nyga A., Muñoz J., Dercksen S., Fornabaio G., Uroz M., Trepat X., Baum B., Matthews H., Conte V.* (2021) Oncogenic RAS instructs morphological transformation of human epithelia via differential tissue mechanics. (Science Advances – in press; BioRxiv)
    2. Rubi-Sans G., Nyga A., Perez-Amodio S., Rebollo E., Otero J., Navajas D., Mateos-Timoneda M.A., Engel E. (2021) Development of cell-derived matrices for 3D in vitro cancer cell models. ASC Applied Materials & Interfaces 13(37):44108-44123.
    3. Xu J., Yang J., Chen J., Zhang X., Wu Y., Hart A., Nyga A.*, Shelton J.C.* (2020) Activation of synovial fibroblasts from patients at revision of their metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty. Particle and Fibre Toxicology, 17:42. (*corresponding author)
    4. Pape J., Magdeldin T., Stamati K., Nyga A., Loizidou M., Emberton M., Cheema U. (2020) Cancer-associated fibroblasts mediate cancer progression and remodel the tumouroid stroma. British Journal of Cancer, 123:1178-1190.
    5. Stamati K., Redondo P.A., Nyga A., Neves J.B., Tran M., Emberton M., Cheema U., Loizidou M. (2020) The anti-angiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor Pazopanib kills cancer cells and disrupts endothelial networks in biomimetic 3D renal tumouroids. Journal of Tissue Engineering, 11:2041731420920597.
    6. Nyga A., Hart A., Tetley T. (2019) Molecular analysis of HIF activation as a potential biomarker for adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD) in tissue and blood samples. J Biomed Mater Res B Part B, 107(5):1352-1362.
    7. Xu J., Nyga A., Li W., Zhang X., Gavara N., Knight M.M., Shelton J.C. (2018) Cobalt ions stimulate a fibrotic response through matrix remodelling, fibroblast contraction and the release of pro-fibrotic signals from macrophages. E Cells & Materials, 36:142-155.
    8. Xu J., Yang J., Nyga A., Ehteramyan M., Moraga A., Wu Y., Zeng L., Knight M.M., Shelton J.C. (2018) Cobalt (II) ions and nanoparticles induce macrophage retention by ROS-mediated down-regulation of RhoA expression. Acta Biomaterialia, 72:434-446.